Influence of trace metals on some soil nitrogen transformations

Journal Article · · J. Environ. Qual.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5548531

Chang, F H; Broadbent, F E

An investigation to evaluate the influence of trace metals on N immobilization, N mineralization, and nitrification was conducted. Samples of Yolo silt loam amended with 100 ppm NH/sub 4/-N, 1% sewage sludge, and 1% ground alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were treated with solutions to provide 100, 200, and 400 ppm of Cd(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Mn(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II), and incubated for 2, 4, 8, and 12-week periods. Metals were determined by extracting with water, KNO/sub 3/, DPTA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid), and HNO/sub 3/ at the end of each incubation period. All metals reverted quickly to more insoluble forms. Quantities of metals extractable with water + KNO, + DPTA decreased with time, while corresponding increases in HNO/sub 3/-soluble forms occurred. Nitrogen immobilization was measured during 2- to 4-week period, and N mineralization and nitrification during the 4- to 12-week period. At low levels of metal addition Mn and Pb stimulated N transformations. Among the six metals studied the sequence in order of decreasing inhibition was Cr > Cd > Cu > Zn > Mn > Pb. It was concluded that N transformation rates may be affected by trace metals in soils receiving heavy sludge applications.

• Research Organization: Univ. of California, Davis
• OSTI ID: 5548531
• Journal Information: J. Environ. Qual.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Environ. Qual.; (United States) Vol. 11:1; ISSN JEVQA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

510200* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CADMIUM
CHROMIUM
COPPER
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
LEAD
MANGANESE
METALS
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN CYCLE
QUANTITY RATIO
RESPONSE MODIFYING FACTORS
SEWAGE
SEWAGE SLUDGE
SOILS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
WASTES
ZINC